Police Officer William Leonard Sikola, Bakersfield Police Department, California

Police Officer William Leonard Sikola

Bakersfield Police Department, California

End of Watch Sunday, July 17, 1983

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William Leonard Sikola

Officer William Sikola was killed in a motorcycle crash while responding to assist in the pursuit of a stolen vehicle on Highway 99.

Officer Sikola was driving home from finishing his shift, and a call came on the radio about a stolen vehicle from a local car dealer. Officer Sikola joined the pursuit and got a "high-speed wobble" from the motorcycle. He received extensive head injuries from his shorty bell helmet and died 4 hours later.

Officer Sikola had served with the Bakersfield Police Department for four years. He was survived by his wife and three children.

Bio

Age 27
Tour 4 years
Badge 480

Incident Details

Cause Vehicle pursuit
Weapon Automobile; Motorcycle
Offender Not available

motorcycle crash, officer assistance, stolen vehicle, vehicle pursuit

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Most Recent Reflection

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Forty years. Wow. You are still missed and talked about at coffee with the guys. Your death affected many people deeply, and caused us to realize how blessed we are.

I see Becky and your kids at least once a year at one of the memorial events, you would be proud of them.

Dawg
BPD

July 17, 2023